New Military Spouses Learn a Whole New Vocabulary

It can be very daunting as a military spouse, all of the abbreviations and terminology looks like a whole other language. Military abbreviations and terminology pop up frequently and quickly once you marry a service member. Although the Department of Defense has a searchable online dictionary, it’s good to get a brief overview of some of the vocabulary you’ve probably already seen and will continue to see.

BAH – Basic Allowance for Housing.

BAS – Basic Allowance for Subsistence.

Chit – A request or voucher.

CO – Commanding Officer. Your beloved service member has a CO and will likely use this abbreviation.

COLA – No, not the soda. Cost of Living Allowance.

Commissary – Where military members and families can go to buy food.

Commission – Officers are given rank and authority through written orders, or commission.

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